Marijuana vs Opioids for Pain. Is Marijuana the Better and Safer Option?
Cindy Perlin, LCSW Carol’s teenage daughter Julia is a dancer who suffered a serious injury that required extensive surgery. Julia was sent home after surgery with opioids for pain. Despite the opioids, Julia was screaming in pain. Carol repeatedly called her doctor’s office and each time was told to increase the dosage of the opioids. At first Carol followed the doctor’s advice but became increasingly concerned because the medication wasn’t working, Julia continued to scream, and Carol was worried about overdose. Finally Julia said, “I know what I need. Please drive me over to my friend’s house”. When they arrived, Julia got marijuana from her friend and after one puff of marijuana was pain free. This occurred in Texas, where possession of even small amounts of...